Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 2200

Coleoptera Carabidae
Ground beetles

Special Characteristics: Carabid beetles are fast running beetles with long legs. Most species are dark coloured, but some have brilliant and metallic colors. The head is narrower than the thorax.

Comments: This is one of the largest families of beetles in North America. Many species of ground beetles are beneficial by feeding on pest insects. Ground beetles are commonly found under stones, wood and leaves in damp places, but some species are also found in dry habitats. When they are disturbed they run rapidly but rarely fly and some species cannot fly at all. Most species of Carabidae are active during the night and hide during the day.

Species:
Calosoma scrutator Fabricius

Common Name:
Fiery searcher

Feeding Habits: This species feed on several species of caterpillars.

Distribution:
Quebec, Ontario

Comments:
This species lives in hardwood forests. Adults are attracted to lights and are sometimes seen in large groups on lake shores. The genus Calosoma has some of the most colourful ground beetles and members of this genus are considered beneficial insects because they feed on caterpillars that attack trees and shrubs.